Crawley Creatives

Alison Dollery

Alison Dollery is an Interdisciplinary Fine Artist that combines photography, drawing, painting, performance arts, film, sculpture, and writing, predominantly using the body as the medium or the canvas for the work. Alison's theoretical and art-as-practice research approach includes writing about how we manufacture our bodies in society. The work is based on personal experience of ill health and body image. Alison holds a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from the UCA.

Alison has lived in Ifield, Crawley for the past eleven years with my current art studio based in my home for the last seven years. Additionally, I run art workshops locally and have been involved with artist-led community projects. My family have roots in Crawley since the early 1900s.

Jingyao Kou

Hi! My name is Jingyao Kou. I am a Chinese illustrator based in the UK now.

My favourite source of inspiration is the little things in my daily life. For me "reality is the best". Right now I'm doing a day-to-day comic on Instagram.

I'm mainly based in Surrey. I draw many comics and zines based on my daily life here.

Jonny Stockbridge

I’m a visual artist, mostly a maker. I love working with all kinds of materials. My BA was in Fine Art and Ceramics. Much of my work has been in Education and teaching, exploring, and collaboration. Igniting the senses and imagination. Really waking up the soul and illumination! For me, art is magic. Lives improve because of it.

I was born in Crawley in 1970. Crawley is the place that I really developed my passion for the arts. Through painting, drawing and ceramics. Then down at Worthing and Goring by sea at Northbrook College. I’ve traveled the world. I now have a new perspective. For the first time, the potential here really excited me! There really are no limits…

Lauren Nickless

Lauren is an illustrator and designer based in Sussex. She loves to travel and create intricate artworks of places she has visited. She has also illustrated for a range of clients including Hamleys, Lego and Visit Brighton. She is open to commissions.

Lauren was born and raised in Crawley. She has been away a few times but always comes back! She currently lives here with her family.

Liz Atkin

Liz Atkin is an artist and educator. She reimagines her Compulsive Skin Picking and anxiety into drawings, photographs and performances. Liz is a mental health advocate and raises awareness for the disorder around the world. Her work is held by Wellcome Collection London.

Born and grew up in Crawley.

Nami Ralph

I'm a freelance Children's Book Illustrator based in Farnham, Surrey. I use gouache, pencils and digital tools to create my work and I would describe my artwork style as warm and playful. My previous clients include the National Trust, Anorak Magazine, and Farnham Maltings.

I've previously applied to two opportunities in Crawley. I really admire the work that's being done there and especially as the community in Crawley will benefit greatly from these creative activities. I would love to do a project there in the future.

Rachel Cowell

I am a Visual Artist, taking inspiration from my surroundings, experiences, and the natural world. A significant part of my work is community and group focussed and is undertaken through workshops and collaborative projects, building connection, creativity, and well-being.

I have lived in West Sussex for the majority of my life and have created many successful connections through work with fellow creatives, organisations, and businesses. In 2009 - 2011, I ran a Gallery in Crawley's County Mall with my partner, which has led to strong, continued partnerships and collaborative work.

Sarah Maple

Sarah Maple is an award winning visual artist known for her bold, brave, mischievous and occasionally controversial artworks that challenge notions of identity, religion and the status quo. Her artwork, film and performances have been exhibited internationally at galleries and institutions including Tate Britain, Golden Thread Gallery and York Art Gallery.

I grew up in Crawley and have lived in the town most of my life!

Sarah Pimenta

Sarah Pimenta is an experienced artist, lecturer in creativity, and workshop facilitator with children and adults. Her specialist art form is print-making and her work communicates texture, colour and emotion into a variety of educational, health and community environments, in the UK and abroad. Sarah integrates nature into her work, both inside classrooms and outside. Sarah is illustrator of the ‘Therapeutic Fairy Tales’ published by Routledge, and co-creator of the Storybook Manual. She is currently working on illustrating a second volume of ‘Therapeutic Fairy Tales’ and co-creating a new manual on how creativity, nature and folklore can support wellbeing in children and families.

I live in East Grinstead, West Sussex and went to school in Crawley from the ages of 9 – 18yrs. I work nationally and have worked internationally. My first big collaborative art project was for Crawley Borough Council in 2000 working with Carolyn Murphy – it kickstarted my whole career. I have continued to work locally when possible since then.